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Finding True Joy: A Reflection on John 15:11
I kept postponing my joy… because it felt like the moment wasn’t right.
I didn’t realize how often I was telling myself, “I’ll feel better when this works out.” I was waiting for things to turn around… for prayers to be answered exactly how I hoped… or for life to finally feel a little more settled.
So I kept waiting. I waited for the right outcome, the right timing, and the right feeling.
In the process, I stayed stuck in a nagging tension. I was carrying a kind of heaviness I couldn’t quite explain.
Because the truth is, if my joy depends on what is changing around me, it will always be uncertain.
But I’m learning something different now. Joy isn’t a destination I arrive at when life finally looks the way I want it to. It’s something I return to when I bring my focus back to Him.
A Joy That Stays
This shift in focus has led me back to the Scripture verse John 15:11:
“I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
This means the source of my joy was never meant to be found in outcomes, progress, or control. It is found in Jesus… the One who doesn’t change with my circumstances and who has been my constant even when everything else feels unsteady.
When I remember that I am already held, seen, and cared for, gratitude comes a little more naturally. The weight of things becomes lighter, even if nothing around me has changed yet. I’m learning to stop tying my joy to “what if” or “when” and let it grow from a firm foundation.
Behind the Art: Finding Joy in the Details
In this piece, I wanted to capture a sense of joyfulness and relaxation. I used a mixed-media torn paper collage aesthetic to show that even in a life made of many different pieces and layers, it’s all held together by His love.
While I was sketching these vintage-inspired doodles, I thought about how these illustrated elements remind us of the constant joy Jesus offers:
- Heart Locket and Bows: These suggest the personal nature of God’s love. Joy is something precious that we carry with us… keeping our hearts grounded and satisfied because of our relationship with Him.
- Little Chicken and Strawberries: These small, ordinary spring-inspired doodles are reminders of God’s daily provision. They remind me that we don’t have to wait for the big things to happen to experience joy. It can be found in the simple, sweet things He gives us every day.
- Celestial Starbursts and Botanical Florals: These symbols of light and growth remind us that God is the Creator of all beauty. His joy is like a starburst… it breaks through the darkness of our worried states… and brings light to our nights.
- Bible and Decorative Plate: These represent the table God prepares for us. His Word is the nourishment that keeps our joy steady when our own strength runs low.
Joy is Closer Than You Think
If you’ve been waiting for things to get better before you let yourself take a breather and relax into the moment… maybe joy isn’t as far as it feels. It’s right there in the presence of the One who has been with you all along.
You don’t have to reach a certain milestone to be allowed to feel joy. You’re already loved. You’re already His. And that is enough… Bask in His love and allow Him to show you true joy.
A Simple Reflection for Your Day
- What is one “when” or “if” that you’ve been tying your joy to lately? Will you choose to let the Lord take over… and just be present with Him right now?
- What is one tiny “spark” of joy you’ve noticed recently, even if your circumstances haven’t changed?
FAQ: Understanding Complete Joy
What does “complete joy” mean in John 15:11?
Complete joy or “full joy” is joy that exceeds our expectations… and overflows because it is rooted in God’s grace and what Christ has done for us, rather than our own efforts. It’s a joy that isn’t missing anything because it is sustained by God, and given by Him alone.
Is “true joy” the same thing as being happy all the time?
Not exactly. Happiness is often a reaction to good news or pleasant events. “True joy” is a deeper state of the heart. It’s the steady assurance that we are reconciled to God, which allows us to feel at peace, reassured, and hopeful even when we’re going through something sad or stressful.
How do I return to joy when I feel overwhelmed?
Returning to joy usually starts with an intentional pause from the constant hustle. It involves shifting your attention away from the problem and back to Jesus. This can be through prayer, reading a favorite verse, talking to Him, or simply practicing gratitude for the small things He has already provided.
You Are Already Held
You can stop the chase today. You don’t have to arrive anywhere else to be whole. You can rest in His presence and trust that He is the joy your heart has always been looking for.
— Nicole
A Warm Invitation
If you’ve been feeling the weight of postponing joy, I share a weekly creative reflection and simple journal prompt in my free studio letter. It’s a space to slow down and find our joy in Him together. You’re welcome to join us!
